‘He had no idea of the full extent of the torment his best friend was going through,’ they told The Sun on Sunday .

‘Dec couldn’t believe his ears through some of it. Soon the truth was all coming out: the substance abuse, the painkillers he was hooked on, the secret drinking sessions.

‘It was almost too much for Dec to take in.’

Ant revealed today he was headed to rehab for at least two months.

‘The first step is to admit to yourself you need help. I’ve let people down. I’m truly sorry. I feel like I have let a lot of people down and for that I’m truly sorry. I want to thank my wife, family and closest friends through this really difficult time,’ he said in a statement to the Sun.

‘I have spoken out because I think it is important that people ask for help if they are going through a rough time and get the proper treatment to help their recovery.’